Mechanical Gap Filler Lock Mechanism for Platform Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform gap fillers require electric power for operation, are complex and costly due to the need for unique components for different installation positions, and suffer from reliability issues due to reliance on electromagnetic brakes.

Innovation Solution

A gap filler mechanism that uses a mechanical lock system without electric power, featuring an inclined guide groove and adjustable movement restriction sections to control the protrusion amount of the gap filler plate, allowing for simpler, durable, and cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromagnetic lock mechanism is used, then the gap filler plate can be locked in position, but electric power is required to operate the lock mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic lock mechanism with a purely mechanical lock mechanism consisting of a lock lever, lock groove, and spring assembly. The mechanical lock uses spring force to maintain the locked state and gravity/momentum to transition between locked and unlocked states, eliminating the need for electric power while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical lock mechanism is self-servicing through its design where the spring automatically returns the lock lever to the locked position after the gap filler plate passes through, and the weight of the plate itself assists in triggering the unlock sequence. No external power source or control system is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If unique components are designed for different installation positions, then the gap filler can adapt to curve sections and linear sections, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different track sectionsVSAvoidnumber of unique components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal gap filler device where the protrusion amount is adjusted by changing the installation position of the roller on the output shaft, not by using different components. The same mechanical structure can serve both curve sections and linear sections by simply repositioning the roller along the output shaft axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to different installation positions through the adjustable roller location on the output shaft. The adjustable movement restriction section also dynamically adjusts the protrusion limit based on the installation position, allowing a single device design to handle multiple应用场景.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a brake mechanism is used to fix the gap filler plate, then the plate can be held in position, but the braking force decreases due to wear requiring inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition holding capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wear-prone brake mechanism with a mechanical lock system using interlocking surfaces (lock groove and lock lever). The lock mechanism maintains constant holding force through spring pressure on the lock lever, and the contact surfaces do not wear down like brake pads, eliminating the need for periodic inspection and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the gap filler plate protrudes fully to maximize safety, then passenger safety is improved, but the protrusion amount cannot be adjusted for different installation positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefall prevention effectivenessVSAvoidprotrusion amount adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the protrusion amount by changing the roller installation position on the output shaft. The adjustable movement restriction section corresponding to each roller position ensures the plate protrudes to the appropriate extent for each specific installation location, maximizing safety effectiveness while adapting to different track geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3434547B1Fall prevention device

Publication Date: 2021.01.13 KYOSAN ELECTRIC MFG CO LTD

Figure 1(1)~1(2)
Figure 2(1)~2(2)
Figure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a gap filler that includes a lock mechanism simpler in structure, inexpensive, and excellent in durability without needing electric power, and is structured to be capable of adjusting the protrusion amount of a gap filler plate. A first link mechanism section 40 converts linear motion of a driving slider 24 into swing motion of a swing end roller 46. A second link mechanism section 60 swings in cooperation with the swing end roller 46 on a roller contact surface 64 of a second link lever section 61, and an output end roller 67 changeable in attachment position presses a driven slider 62 fixed to a gap filler plate 16. In a fully protruded state and a fully stored state of the gap filler plate 16, the direction of acting force of the roller contact surface 64 pressing the swing end roller 46 aligns with a straight line connecting the swing end roller 46 and a swing shaft 44 of a first link lever section 43.